Aimé-Jules Dalou

signed on reverse: Dalou and with foundry stamp: Cire perdue A.A. Hébrard No. 4

Daniel Katz, Ltd., London

Paris 1976, no.25

Minor standard surface abrasions. Needs cleaning. Later cross support on interior.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

RELATED LITERATURE

Mallett 1964, p.18, no. 28

This bronze is cast from a terracotta maquette executed in 1890- 1892 and now in the Petit Palais (no. 205). It records Dalou's study for a marble group commissioned by the Drapé family of Agen, completed in 1894 and now in the collection of the Sterling and Francine Clark Institute, Williamstown. On the 11th of July of that year, Dalou wrote 'Nous avons terminé le groupe de M. Drapé. Enfin! Nous venons de lui faire sa toilette, et demain matin on l'emballera. En route pour Agen!'. Dalou's impatience cannot be ascertained in this tender group of Bacchus finding Ariadne after her abandonment by Theseus on Naxos. Hunisak proposes that the composition is inspired by an 18th century model, such as Clodion's Bacchant et Bacchante. Other casts are in the William Morris Gallery, Walthamstow and the Glyptotek, Copenhagen.
Theseus abandoned Ariadne, daughter of King Minos of Crete, after having helped him escape the Minotaur's labyrinth. Bacchus found and rescued her, and they were married shortly afterwards.